Kart Racer (2.5 out of 4)

Starring Randy Quaid and Will Rothhair. Directed by Stuart Gillard.

A kid's film that only slightly deserves to step off the shelf, Kart Racer is maudlin, predictable and tired. But Randy Quaid's endearing performance makes this family picture somewhat enjoyable.
Watts Davies (Will Rothhair) loves to kart race and can't seem to keep out of trouble. When the IKF (International Karting Federation) comes to town, the kid sees the race as an opportunity to prove himself to his dad Vic (Quaid), a washed-up karting champion who lost his edge after his wife died. After some parent-child fight scenes, Vic softens up and helps Watts realize his dream.
Not very sophisticatedly put together, Kart Racer is very low-budget and formulaic (the bad guy, the love story, the car's breakdown during the race), but there's enough heart to make it worth enduring.

Publication Date: 2003-10-05
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=3218